The moment Naruto and the others returned to Konoha, they were swept up in the tense yet excited atmosphere filling the village—
News of the chunin ninja exams had already spread through every street and alley like the wind. Even the man selling dumplings by the roadside was muttering, "This year's exams will probably be livelier than ever."
The Konoha 12 had all received their official exam notices, too, and the chunin ninja exams instantly became the hottest topic.
Naruto thumped his chest, his golden hair dazzling in the sunlight. "The chunin ninja exams? Awesome! Now everyone can see the results of the great Naruto's training!
"I'm definitely going to become a chunin and make Iruka-sensei and everyone in the village see me in a whole new light! They'll finally acknowledge me..."
As he spoke, he tilted his chin at Sasuke. "Don't let me outshine you, you stuck-up jerk!"
Sasuke didn't rise to the bait. Something else had already captured his attention.
When they had passed Kage Rock earlier, he had faintly overheard several jonin discussing "the Uchiha's power of the gods." They said that the colossal Crow Tengu Warrior, hundreds of meters tall, had actually defeated Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands, another manifestation of divine power.
Those words were like a ball of fire,
igniting in an instant and setting his blood boiling.
He clenched his fists, his dark eyes shining brilliantly. Excitement flushed his cheeks, and unmistakable pride curved his lips. "The Uchiha... are the strongest."
That pride surging up from his very blood made him look forward to the chunin ninja exams even more—he would use this exam to show everyone the power of the Uchiha.
Folding his arms, he said coldly, "Dead Last, shouldn't you be worrying about yourself? Just make sure you don't hold